Team KKB and Cafe on the Corner Partner for CF Awareness Month

Café on the Corner is partnering with Kenneth King’s Believers (Team KKB) TONIGHT, MAY 30 to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis.

Tuesday nights are Kids Night at the Café, meaning children eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Tonight, in honor of CF Awareness Month and Team KKB, there will be two face painters on hand and donations of any size will be happily accepted.

The event was scheduled for last Tuesday but moved to tonight because of inclement weather.

Team KKB is a national family fundraising team for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It was formed in 2011 by Ginger and Alex Birnbaum in honor of their son, King, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth. Through their work with the annual Great Strides Walk and many other fundraisers throughout the year, Team KKB has been able to raise nearly $200,000 in the past six years.

One of the best things about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is that it gives all families a platform to share their passion for curing CF,” says Ginger. “While we came to this cause because of King, our family remains more committed than ever on behalf of all of our friends who are touched by this disease.

King benefits greatly from the extensive and aggressive research done by the CF Foundation. While there is currently not a drug to treat the root cause of King’s CF, there is one in the pipeline that looks promising. To read more about King's story please visit Team KKB's fundraising page.

While CF affects each person differently, there are some markers of the disease. The first is that CF is a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe. In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs.

In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

Tennessee’s Parks & Playgrounds Commissioner Brooke Pippenger recently announced they are looking for an Assistant Parks and Recreation Director. This person would support the Director in all aspects of the recreation program, which encompasses Lookout Mountain, TN and GA.

This search is prompted by the news of current Director Rick Dockery's retirement. Assistant Director Scott Shell will be taking over as Director, with Dockery continuing to teach at Lookout Mountain School for one more year.

Programs include Commons Camp as well as recreational sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, wrestling, flag football, lacrosse and basketball. Amenities maintained under the Recreation Department include a community playground, tennis courts, and walking track.

The Assistant Parks and Recreation Director assists in supervising recreation activities, coaching individual sports, field maintenance and working with parents, coaches and children. There is a heavy emphasis on field maintenance throughout the year.

Requirements

Experience with recreation/sports management and parks and field maintenance preferred. Full-time position with benefits. Must be available to work evenings, weekends and day time shifts. Must have ability to use and maintain field maintenance equipment (lawn mowers, tractors, etc.)

"Alan Shuptrine: Appalachian Watercolors of the Serpentine Chain" opens at the Tennessee State Museum Tomorrow

On May 19, Nashville’s Tennessee State Museum will open a show with 60 watercolors, representing five years’ worth of Alan Shuptrine’s work. But the significance behind each painting dates back much further – as in several hundred millennia.

Running underneath the Appalachian Trail is a dark green and mysterious mineral called serpentine. A mountain chain in Great Britain shares this same mineral vein, indicating we were once linked before continental drift over 200 million years ago.

Ironically, when the 18th century settlers from Great Britain moved into the Appalachians, they were coming home to the very same mountains and serpentine they had left an ocean away. And in many ways, Alan’s exhibit is a homecoming for him personally.

Growing up the son of nationally renowned watercolorist Herbert Shuptrine, Alan could never claim a hometown until the sixth grade, when his family settled on Lookout Mountain. They lived in 20 cities before then because his father was always “chasing the light elsewhere.” The one common factor, however, was that they were always close to the Appalachian Mountains.

When you ask people why they choose to live somewhere they often say ‘it just feels right,’” says Shuptrine. “In this case, there is a buried mineral acting like some sort of magnet. That feeling of home, of familiarity, is what I hope to capture with this series.

Celtic traditions are highlighted throughout, including everything from farming traditions to quilt and whiskey making. Misty mountain ranges, clapboard houses and soft forest floors have an almost ethereal quality under Alan’s expert brushstrokes.

The inspiration for the Serpentine series literally struck in the middle of the night. “I woke up at 3 a.m., shook my wife, Bonny and said, ‘I know what I want to paint,’” he recalls.

In many ways you could say Alan has spent his entire life preparing for this body of work. As an accomplished water gilder for 30 years, he has custom designed each frame for the show. In addition to hand carved and gold leaf accents, each frame is embedded with a precious Serpentine stone.

He has also partnered with New York Times best-selling author Sharyn McCrumb to create a coffee table book, much like his father’s book in the 70’s entitled “Jericho: The South Beheld.”

Alan’s book, “The Serpentine Chain” will feature over 90 paintings and will celebrate the connections between the people of Appalachia and their historical and cultural counterparts in the British Isles. A documentary film is also in the works.

The Serpentine Chain collection will be on display until October of this year. It will then move to the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, GA (January – April 2018); the Huntsville Museum of Art in Alabama (May – August 2018) and the Museum Center at 5ive Points in Cleveland, TN (September – December 2018).

Administered by CFC players and staff, all CFC camps focus on the technical skills needed to succeed in the game of soccer. The goal of each camp is to give all players the opportunity to experience soccer at the next level while maintaining a fun atmosphere.

Fee: $135 ($150 for Advanced Camps)

To register:Register online. For further information about team camps and team camp rates, email camps@chattanoogafc.com.

Mr. Mann brings Camp Invention back to LMS, where next-gen inventors have the opportunity to create, innovate and problem solve in a fun environment. Real world challenges include creating business pitches and soliciting feedback from fellow inventors. A new curriculum is introduced each year, inspired by the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Camp Lookout has been “A Place Set Apart” since 1959, situated on 200 acres on the back of Lookout Mountain. As a ministry of The United Methodist Church’s Holston Conference, Camp Lookout offers traditional camp activities in a spiritual centered environment. Younger campers can expect anything from crafts, hiking, swimming to a low ropes course, while older kids will learn archery, caving and mountain biking (just to name a few).

A nature-oriented Christian day camp for boys and girls, where campers can “grow in Mind, Body and Christian Principles.” Activities includes horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, sports, archery, nature skills and more. You can sign up for one or both sessions.

Top 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss Community Movie Night May 12

Yes, the best things in life ARE free. Usually that doesn’t apply to entertainment, so take advantage while you can. The movie selection is always a recent family favorite so everyone from toddlers to teenagers will enjoy.

2. THE CHANCE FOR A DRIVE-IN EXPERIENCE

Even though you’re not watching from your car, an open-air movie allows younger generations to connect with a bit of American nostalgia. Plus, without the confines of a car little ones can run around if they get antsy.

3. YOU DON'T HAVE TO SNEAK IN FOOD

Love Lookout actually invites you to bring your own dinner and drinks! If you don’t want to bother with a picnic, food trucks will be on hand for delicious treats like Monkey Town Doughnuts, Tikiz Shaved Ice and Two Sons Kitchen and Market. (Just be sure to bring cash.)

4. IT'S SOMETHING THE ENTIRE FAMILY CAN ENJOY

Unlike a traditional movie theater, you won’t be given the stink eye for bringing a baby or for not making your toddler sit still. The festivities begin at 6:30, with the movie starting at 8:30. So if bedtimes are a problem you can still enjoy an evening out and not worry about the early departure (remember, the movie is FREE).

5. IT'S MORE THAN A MOVIE

When’s the last time you got to watch a movie with 500 of your friends and neighbors? And the film is just half the fun. Love Lookout encourages anyone to bring games such as corn hole or Kan Jam for pre-show entertainment. The real experience is connecting with your community in a laid back setting. In other words…the perfect kick off for summer.

Battle Below the Clouds Returns Saturday to Ruby Falls

Despite a clear forecast this Saturday, Ruby Falls is expecting cloud cover. The haze isn’t a strange weather phenomenon. The third annual “Battle Below the Clouds” barbecue competition will bring about a dozen large smokers to the attraction’s upper parking lot.

But some of the details behind local team, R&R Flavor Train remain shrouded in mystery – like what’s the secret ingredient in Rink Murray’s spice rub? What does R&R really stand for? And what really happened to the trophy last year?

The secret ingredient obviously has to remain secret, but I’ll just say I can guarantee no one is using the spice rub we’re using,” says Ross Ballenger, who has won “Best Ribs” the past two years.

As for the trophy, Tommy Thatcher remains a top suspect but the matter was dropped when it was returned a few days later.

Luckily Ross is a man of faith and felt confident it would turn back up,” laughs Murray.

When asked about the name, he insists R&R doesn’t stand for Rink and Ross but declined to offer further details, only saying that the backstory isn’t fit for a family publication.

Obviously, this amateur barbecue competition is intended to be fun – for both the competitors and spectators. Ruby Falls visitors and Lookout Mountain locals are invited to peruse the cooking grounds free of charge. There will be live music from bluegrass inspired rock bands, The Von Wamps and Mountain Creek House Fire, and drawings for a Big Green Egg and Yeti Cooler. Many teams will also offer complimentary tastes (but donations to Lana’s Love are welcome).

This competition is for the guy who’s a great backyard cooker and wants to see how his barbecue stacks up to competition,” says Ballenger.

Registration is $400 with every penny going toward Lana’s Love, says Ballenger. Registered teams also receive two tickets to Ruby Falls and ZIPStream Aerial Adventure valued at $130, two t-shirts, two aprons, a spatula set and discounts on food and merchandise. All of this is possible through generous sponsors including Ruby Falls, Coca-Cola, Food City, The Barn Nursery and Lana’s Love Foundation.

The event was the brainchild of Ruby Falls President Hugh Morrow, who is an accomplished backyard chef in his own rite. In fact, Ballenger helped him win “Best Ribs” the first year as his teammate on a team sponsored by Ward Petty at Benjamin Edwards.

“Hugh’s more of a chef; I’m more of a cook,” he laughs.

Participants will be competing for three titles: Best Pulled Pork, Best Ribs and Best Overall. The meat is provided on Friday night for seasoning, but no cooking can take place until 6 a.m. on Saturday. Independent judging starts at 5 p.m. with awards to follow.

Besides bragging rights, the real purpose of this event is to support families living with pediatric cancer – not only through raising funds but also providing them fun family outings.

Lana’s Love mission has always been to provide fun to children and their families battling cancer in the Chattanooga and surrounding areas,” says director Holly Shull. “Through the support of our community sponsors and donors, Lana’s Love has grown to be so much more. It has become a true support system between families, volunteers and hospital staff. These families look forward to the monthly events where they can relax and forget about life for a while. The Webster family had a great vision and Lana Beth is proud.

Local Company Partners with Dove Skincare

Shampoo and tree houses don’t seem to have much in common. But national skincare company Dove has always seen things a little differently.

When planning the launch of their new Men+Care Elements Grooming line, they did a nationwide search for brands inspired by nature. Treetop Hideaways – located at the foot of Lookout Mountain – stood out as one of the clear examples.

The experiences our guests have are what they wanted to create with their new product,” says co-founder Andrew Alms. “They approached us about partnering to build a second treehouse to highlight their new ‘nature-inspired’ line.

According to Dove, their new products are aimed at providing "a transformative feeling of freshness" and feature a combination of premium ingredients including Minerals + Sage, Charcoal + Clay, and Mineral Powder+ Sandalwood.

From the charred wood paneling to the living sage wall, every element of the treehouse was designed with the new line in mind. The bathroom will feature an open-air skylight over the shower and incorporate natural materials such as charcoal and clay. The new treehouse was designed by master builder Pete Nelson of “Treehouse Masters.”

It's been a great experience to work with their team in developing a treehouse that highlights these various Elements and we can't wait to show it off!” says Alms.

The Elements Treehouse will be officially announced in a special ceremony this Saturday, April 22 at the property. From 5:30 until 10 pm there will be property tours, construction tours, build demonstrations, an herb planting station, food, a bonfire and s’mores.

Gift bags will also be available, featuring samples of the line’s 11 new products including shampoo, body wash, body bars and deodorants.

Alms founded Treetop Hideaways with business partner Enoch Elwell, opening their first treehouse lodge in 2015. The “part camping, part glamping” hotel in the trees has enjoyed tremendous success through Airbnb.

Treetop Hideaways will remain sole owners of both treehouses. As part of the partnership, Dove will invite guests to visit the new Elements treehouse as a way to highlight their products in a natural environment.

Ted and Kelly Alling Help Open Groundbreaking New School for Boys

When Chattanooga Prep opens its doors next year, it will boast state-of-the-art classrooms and STEM learning through things like robotics and computer coding. Each student will be paired with a mentor from the business community, and there will be a weekly speaker series featuring national names.

While it might sound like the brainchild of a seasoned educator, Chattanooga Prep has something much more valuable backing it – Ted and Kelly Alling.

Sitting at the Lamp Post offices, Kelly pulls out an aerial map to show where the medical clinic, food pantry and cafetorium (cafeteria/auditorium) will be. Never ones to waste time, the Allings hired an architect long before their charter status was confirmed.

Ted and I are very action-oriented,” laughs Kelly. “Everybody’s got their gift…this is our gift. We’re going to make it happen.

Known for the string of successful businesses Ted has helped launch over the years, the dynamic couple has an equally strong reputation of giving back. Chattanooga Prep provides the perfect opportunity for the Allings to “go deep” and get involved in a project together, says Ted.

We are not educators, but part of my success in the business world came from putting people in place that are better than me,” he adds humbly.

Known for bringing talent to our city, the Allings are committed to finding the best principal in the country. Teachers will be recruited from a nationwide search from top schools. Just as Ted helped build the Tomorrow Building in Chattanooga’s innovation district, he envisions providing subsidized living for teachers in the downtown area.

Derwin Sisnett, founder of Maslow Development Inc., has also been brought on as a consultant. The 32-year-old has successfully started 6 high-performing charter schools in the Memphis area, and founded a nonprofit dedicated to helping other cities build community around strong schools.

CGLA’s Executive Director Elaine Swafford has been heavily involved as well, walking the new school through the intense charter application process. Once Chattanooga Prep opens, Swafford will serve as “CEO of both schools,” says Ted.

The concept for an all-boys school was born out of the Highland Park community. After seeing the success of CGLA the past 7 years, parents have been asking for an option for their sons. From the beginning the Allings have been dialed into local needs, knocking on doors and holding neighborhood meetings.

It’s not what we think; we want to know what the parents want and build this school around that,” explains Kelly. “We want to come alongside them and help however we can.

According to Ted, 90 percent of problems in schools are attributed to boys. Traditional schools are geared more toward girls, with boys often getting lost in the shuffle – a trend that’s multiplied in lower income districts. As parents of two young sons, the Allings feel like Chattanooga Prep is the perfect way for them to help inspire a future generation of men.

We’re not going to fix the problems,” adds Ted. “We want to give the boys the tools and the opportunity to fix the problems themselves. We chose the Sentinel as a mascot because that’s how we see these boys – guarding their family, community, school mates, brothers. We want them to take charge of the next generation of their community.

To that end, there will be a strong emphasis on teaching leadership skills. They’re shooting for the sky with the guest list of their weekly speaker series, envisioning such prominent names as Nick Saban, Gary Vaynerchuck and even President Obama.

“Some kid is going to hear one thing in 7th grade and it’s going to stick with him for the rest of life,” says Ted.

Chattanooga Prep plans to open doors August 2018, starting with sixth grade and adding a grade each year, ultimately serving grades 6-12. As a public charter school, the county will provide $7,800 per student. The actual costs will be closer to $11,000 per student, with the difference covered by fundraising.

The Allings are in the midst of an active capital campaign for the school with a little over $8 million raised thus far of the needed $12 million, which sets the school up for success for the next 15 years.